The new U.S. administration believes that Kiev should not join NATO, but all options are "on the table" in the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This was stated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a press conference.
According to him, previous comments about the "unrealistic" nature of Ukraine's NATO membership remain relevant. However, Hegseth hinted that this option is not entirely ruled out.
"Ultimately, these negotiations are led by President Trump. Everything is on the table. What he decides to permit or not permit in his discussions with Vladimir Putin and Zelensky is within the purview of the leader of the free world, President Trump," said the head of the Pentagon.
Hegseth stated that he cannot announce how exactly Trump will conduct these negotiations: "what concessions will be made and what concessions will not be made."
At the same time, the Pentagon chief reiterated Trump’s calls for NATO allies to significantly increase their defense spending to take on "the primary responsibility" for protecting Europe. He noted that spending at the level of 2% of GDP, which was declared a standard for NATO countries back in 2014, is now insufficient.
"Not 3%, not 4% - rather 5%. Real investments, true urgency," he said.
Prospects for Ukraine's NATO Membership
As reported by UNIAN, currently, four NATO countries are opposed to Ukraine joining the Alliance. However, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump may influence allies and compel them to change their minds.
However, Trump himself recently supported the statement of his Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who described the prospect of Ukraine's NATO membership as "unrealistic."